More than 400 men braved last Tuesday night’s treacherous weather to attend a free screening for prostate cancer organised by Reading Lions.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with 250,000 living with the disease. Early diagnosis is linked to a more positive outcome.

After the success of last year’s screening, where 20 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, The Lions Club of Reading and The Lions Club of Woodley and Earley, in partnership with consultant urologist David Baxter-Smith, organised a repeat event for men over 50.

A total of 460 men, including Royals chairman Sir John Madejski and leader of Wokingham Borough Council David Lee, attended the Circle Hospital, in Drake Way, South Reading, for a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test.

The simple test analyses a sample of the patient’s blood for PSA levels.

Organiser Andrea Hall said: “We learned from our first event last year that it’s important to encourage women to bring their husbands and fathers and as a result, we had a great turnout.

“Given a choice, most men avoid medical issues and need to be persuaded even to take a simple blood test.”

Consultant urologist David Baxter-Smith talks to men before their tests

During the Prostate Cancer Awareness evening the men listened to a presentation by Dr Baxter-Smith. He also explained what will happen once the men get their results.

Previously, for men discovered to have the cancer, immediate radical treatment was recommended. However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued a change of advice last week.

The official guidance now recommends that men whose cancers have not spread and do not appear to be aggressive should consider a wait-and-see approach, involving regular blood tests and examinations.

Speaking about the screening, Sir John said: “Considering the weather conditions, the Reading Lions had an excellent turnout. I enjoyed the very well organised and informative event which culminated in a blood test.

“I would recommend that men over 50 in Reading take advantage of the free PSA test and continue to have it done every year”

Miss Hall continued: “Reading Lions are joining the many organisations and charities in raising awareness of the sheer scale of this cancer in men and intend to continue with our annual free PSA test evenings.”